A late 18^th century Gustav IV Swedish silver sugar vase, Stockholm 1799 by Pehr Zethelius (1740-1810 active from 1766)

Of campana form upon a pedestal square base with pierced edge of ovals raised upon four bun feet. The body with acanthus tipped loop twin handles, a fluted section below applied neoclassical female masks. The upper section with an ovolo rim and beaded edge, the pull off domed covered moulded as concentric flutes surmounted by a cast flower head finial, cut with a ladle aperture to the side. Fully marked underneath and to lid bezel, makers mark P.Z, date letter R2, assay mark (830 standard).

Height – 21.5 cm / 8.45 inches

Weight – 579 grams / 18.62 ozt

Pehr Zethelius (1740-1810) was Adolf Zethelius' father and leading silversmith in Stockholm during the 18th century, noted for introducing new styles from the Continent into his work.

One of his most celebrated works is the memorial cup commissioned by Queen Louisa Ulrika, sister of King Frederik the Great of Prussia in 1782. The cup, along with other works by Zethelius can be found in the Nationalmuseum, Stockholm.